Editorial: Women in Cognitive Neuroscience: 2023

Valentina Bruno ^1* Rania Mekary ²

• ¹ University of Turin, Turin, Italy
• ² Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, United States

Hernández-Frausto and Vivar approach the complex connectivity between the entorhinal cortex (EC) and hippocampus (HC) regarding episodic memory formation and consolidation. They have highlighted emerging evidence pointing to a noncanonical GABAergic connection and the modulatory role of dopaminergic, cholinergic, and noradrenergic inputs for mnemonic processes. Crucially, the authors discuss in their review how early neurodegeneration in the EC-HC pathways contributes to memory dysfunction during aging and Alzheimer's Disease, placing particular emphasis on the value of an important lifestyle variable, exercise, as a prophylactic intervention. Not only does such work serve to elucidate mechanisms of memory, but it also highlights the value of cross-species approaches in cognitive neurosciences. Interestingly, another study by Mitchell and Nugiel (2024) demonstrated that pubertal development and sleep disturbances significantly interacted with functional brain networks to predict mental health outcomes. Taken together, these findings underscore the need to consider physiological and developmental factors and lifestyle variables, such as exercise or sleep quality, in preserving cognitive function and preventing decline.Simoncini and coworkers propose a novel psychometric tool based on spherical video technology, which is at the cutting edge in the assessment of alexithymia (i.e., difficulty in recognizing and feeling emotions (Hogeveen & Grafman, 2021). The integration of immersive virtual reality with psychophysiological measures overcomes the gap between implicit and explicit emotional processing. This allows for a comprehensive investigation of the ability to recognize emotions and the impairments of alexithymic individuals. The authors' work paves the way for targeted clinical interventions and exemplifies the transformative potential of emerging technologies in cognitive neuroscience.Tosoni and colleagues present a mini review of the dual-network model governing visuospatial attention, focusing on the dynamic interplay between the dorsal attention network (DAN) and ventral attention network in the human brain (VAN) (Vossel et al., 2014). Their work reframes traditional models by underlining the collaborative roles of these networks in responding to attentional demands. The review discusses the distinct functions of DAN regions in attention shifting versus maintenance, the VAN's resetting role during reorienting, and the neurophysiological underpinnings of these processes. By exploring network interactions, this research contributes to our understanding of attentional mechanisms and offers insights into the rehabilitation of spatial neglect (i.e., the inability to perceive, report and orient to sensory events towards the space contralateral to the side of the lesion (Vallar, 2001)) following brain lesions.Montandon and colleagues investigated how cognitive and emotional parameters affected brain activity during perspective-taking tasks. This analytical study, by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), has shown that fluid intelligence increases brain activity when one takes a self-perspective, while attentional deficits and a lack of inhibitory control reduce the ability to take others' perspectives. The findings also reveal that higher empathy is associated with reduced egocentric interference, while difficulties in emotion recognition are associated with amplified egocentric interference. This research gets insights in the field of social cognition, with implications for interventions at improving empathy and perspective-taking skills.Altogether, these contributions do not only advance cognitive neuroscience, but also serve to underscore the transformative power of supporting women in research. Well-designed research addressing critical topics in neurodegeneration, emotional processing, attention, social cognition, puberty development, and mental health have showcased the various aspects of expertise and innovative approaches females bring to the field.Looking ahead, it is important to keep forging the path that will enable gender equity to flourish in STEM, younger generations of girls to envision themselves in STEM careers, and women to break the glass ceiling. This involves mentorship opportunities, equal funding, and overcoming entrenched biases that hold women back. Institutions and journals must focus on inclusive practices, including equitable representation in key authorship roles (first and last authorships, Holman et al., 2018) and platforms to elevate underrepresented voices. It will also be of immense benefit to the scientific community for such efforts to be carried out to ensure more effective and inclusive solutions. Diversity exposes us to new perspectives, challenges deeply held paradigms, confronts outdated stereotypes, and fosters progress in ways previously unimaginable. The work in this collection represents both a celebration of achievement and a call to action for further advocacy and support of women in cognitive neuroscience.